Balance is the key here to this excellent Chardonnay I found at a Costco in Reno, NV with a $5 off special, taking the already fair price of $24.99 (retail is closer to $35), down to $19.99. I should have bought a few more.
This wine starts with huge aromas of vanilla, butter and cream, followed by nice fruit, some melon, lemon, lime and green apple, notes of butterscotch. There's not too much oak throughout; medium in body, creamy and light lingering oak in the close, but again, all presented in a nice balance. Finish is remarkable, long and lasting; this is a perfect food wine for almost any cuisine. It reminded me in some ways of the Far Niente Chardonnays I tried recently (the '13 is excellent), but this one comes in at a much lower price point. A clear must buy for Chardonnay fans, and a wine that I will add to our Top Picks list.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 Points
(Did not get the item number, sorry)
Purchased at Costco in: Reno, NV
Alc 14.5%
Jim says
A nice review and I hope this wine makes it to Indiana Costco's. One thing to note, you are reviewing Stag's Leap Wine Cellars but in your write up you refer to a Merlot from Stags' Leap Winery. They are two different wineries. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars produces Artemis and S.L.V, as you mentioned while Stags' Leap Winery does not.
Editor says
Thanks for the comment. You are correct and review has been modified.
Ralph cast says
What would you pair with this wine?
Editor says
We had a variety of cheeses which were great. Seafood, salads all good choices. This is a pretty versatile white